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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which word best describes Hortensia’s outlook on marriage?

2. When did Hortensia plan to tell Peter about her knowledge of the affair?

3. Why is it unusual that Marion is attracted to Frikkie?

4. Why is Marion disappointed that Hortensia does not want to respond to Beulah Gierdien’s letter?

5. How long has Bassey been working for Hortensia?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Peter feel about Hortensia’s career?

2. Why is Marion surprised by Hortensia’s interaction with Innes?

3. Why did Hortensia and Peter not have children?

4. Why might Aggie have said “There’s blood here, Marion” (169)?

5. How does Marion feel to be staying in No. 10 Katterijn Avenue?

6. Why does Hortensia slap Marion?

7. How does Hortensia ultimately feel about marriage?

8. Why does Marion share the story about Alberta?

9. How does Marion feel about the torture schematics she finds at the library?

10. What does Agnes reveal about the painting?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does the theme of “design” function in the novel? In what ways is it a focus of both Marion and Hortensia’s lives?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the theme of “age” as it applies to the main characters and the storyline. Why do you think the author chose to focus on two elderly woman?

Essay Topic 3

The reader never sees Peter or Max in the present tense. Why do you think the author chose to relegate the husbands to flashbacks only?

(see the answer keys)

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